After large fire, property owner explores options to rebuild accessory structure; staff flags feasibility paths

Jeremy Anderson, owner of a heavily damaged property on Rum River Boulevard NW, sought guidance from the Elk Grove Planning Commission on whether he could rebuild a detached accessory building in front of his house after a large fire destroyed an attached shop and several trucks.

Anderson told the commission the loss included multiple semitrailers and fuel stores; he described firefighting efforts by more than 75 firefighters and said the event destroyed five semis and heavy equipment stored in the structure. He said speed in replacing an enclosed workspace is critical to his business and family recovery: “It sucked…we need a structure so we can create some normalcy back in our life,” Anderson said during the sketch-plan discussion.

Staff and commissioners reviewed options. Claire (contract planner) and City staff described three possible paths: (1) pursue a variance to allow a detached building forward of the house with a narrative that shows practical difficulties, (2) pursue a rezoning or planned-unit development (PUD) to allow commercial-style buildings on the parcel, or (3) redesign as an attached building (for example, a breezeway or side-entry garage) that complies with residential front-yard rules and would only require a building permit.

City staff and the city engineer (participating remotely) identified steep slopes behind the house and other site constraints as the most promising factor supporting a variance narrative. Chuck (city engineer) and Claire told Anderson the most difficult legal test for a variance is proving the hardship is not self-created; they suggested the steep slopes and DNR/buildable-area limits could be emphasized in any application.

Commission members and staff also discussed interim-use-permit (IUP) and screening/parking requirements. Staff noted that if Anderson seeks to re-open a commercial-like operation or to change lot lines, the city and county review timelines could push a final decision to August or September depending on submittal completeness and public-notice requirements. Demolition permits and certain emergency rebuilding steps can proceed faster; staff indicated Anderson could pursue those permits immediately.

Staff agreed to work with Anderson to identify the most practical path. Commission members signaled a willingness to support a staff recommendation that emphasized site constraints — if staff’s written report concluded the variance standards could be met. Anderson said he will meet with staff promptly to prepare a formal submittal.